It’s been a while since I did a sunscreen review, so I thought now it’s the perfect time to review this COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++. There are a lot of new Korean sunscreen launches every year, but this one still remains loved by many. Except for the high protection against the harmful UV rays, it’s enriched with Aloe Vera leaf extract to moisturize and soothe the skin. Of course, the most important thing in a sunscreen are the UV filters, but it’s always nice to have some added skincare benefits.

What is it: A moisturizing and soothing hybrid sunscreen that contains both organic (chemical) and inorganic (physical) filters.

Where to buy: Available at Yesstyle (reward code: KBEAUTYNOTES for 5% off your order, can be used together with other coupons), Stylevana, and StyleKorean.

Price: $8.50-$16

Volume: 50ml (1.69 fl.oz.)

PAO: 12 months after opening.

Packaging: Plastic squeeze tube with a cap. Nothing special. The tube may seem a bit on the bigger side, but the amount of product inside is as advertised.

Application

  1. Apply a generous amount every morning after your skincare routine. Do not forget your ears and neck.
  2. Make sure your skincare has been full absorbed before sunscreen application.
  3. Moisturizer can be skipped by those with oily skin and is an optional step for dry skin types.
  4. Allow the sunscreen 15 minutes to form an even layer on the skin and then proceed with makeup.

How does the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++ perform

• Protection:
SPF50+ PA+++

• Texture and finish:

Cream type consistency but it doesn’t feel heavy and spreads around with not much effort. Gives the skin a healthy sheen and sets into a smooth non sticky finish.

• Does it contain alcohol?
Yes, this sunscreen does contain alcohol. Despite the alcohol content, I don’t find it drying due to the creamier texture.

• Fragrance/Scent?
Yes. This has a herbal scent which I don’t mind.

• Is it drying?
It does matify somewhat, but doesn’t dry out the skin or make it feel tight no matter how many hours I have it on. Usually the fluid sunscreens that contain alcohol are the ones that tend to be a bit drying.

• Does it leave a white cast?
No whitecast on my skin tone. It could leave a white cast on dark skin due to the physical filter, Titanium Dioxide.

• Irritation or breakouts?
I was a bit on the fence if this was going to break me out or not. But fortunately, it doesn’t! And the fragrance didn’t cause any irritation or redness for me at all.

• How does it work with makeup?
I haven’t tested it a lot with makeup, but looks great under my everyday bb cream.

• Does it sting the eyes?
No. Since a lot of formulas with alcohol sting my eyes, I was expecting the same from this but it didn’t happen. I think it might have to do with the thicker formula.

• Easy to re-apply?
I have mostly reapplied this only once and it works like most other sunscreens I’ve tried. It doesn’t get that much heavier.

• Who is it for?
All skin types, but maybe it’s not ideal for oily skin in very hot humid weather. Those with drier skin can easily use other skincare before this to achieve the desired hydration.
Also, keep in mind that it contains fragrance and alcohol if you prefer to avoid them.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream Ingredients

These are the UV filters in the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream:

Octinoxate (UVB protection), Tinosorb S (broad-spectrum and very photostable), PARSOL® HS – Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (strong UVB protection), Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate (UVB and UVA II, highest photo-stable absorption of all available UVB filters), Titanium Dioxide (physical/inorganic filter – broad spectrum UVB and UVA II).

Soothing: Aloe Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate.

Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Alcohol, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, C14-22 Alcohols, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Peg-100 Stearate, Silica, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Dimethicone/​Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/​C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta


Final Verdict on the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++

Pros

  • SPF 50+, PA+++
  • Cream texture.
  • Moisturizing, but non-greasy.
  • Satin finish, non-sticky.
  • Slightly oil controlling, non-drying.
  • No pilling.
  • It doesn’t sting the eyes.
  • Suitable for most skin types.
  • Cruelty-free.

Cons

  • Not ideal for oily skin in hot humid climate.
  • Not waterproof.

To be honest, this performed much better than I thought! I thought the creamy consistency would be heavy and clog my pores, the alcohol would irritate my eyes, and it would pill because of the physical filter. But, I’m glad it proved me wrong! It doesn’t break me out or cause bumps, and it doesn’t pill either. It is somewhat matifying but non-drying. Creamy consistency but it’s not sticky. Contains fragrance but doesn’t irritate my skin.

What can I say? The brand has done a great job with the formula! A good example that you cannot judge a product simply by its inci.


Did you find this COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream Review helpful? What’s your favorite everyday sunscreen?

*Affiliate Links – It means I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product through the links I have provided at no extra cost to you. I have bought this product myself.